Saving my Starbucks Card {ode to the hubby, AKA Photographer's life saver}

My cute little "pocket purse" or wristlet was purcased a few months back so I could just toss it in my camera bag and go.  Well recently, I've been using it instead of my huge purse for quick trips to the store where the big camera was staying put at home so it's been used a lot.  IT BROKE! :(  So much for spending a few extra bucks on real leather.  blah blah.  So I was in a hurry and making sure I had all the important things in my wristlet ie. business cards, batteries, SD cards and my STARBUCKS GOLD CARD!  Yes, I am a member and I get free coffee!!!!  Well I dropped the dang card in between my seat!  HOW on earth did I manage to drop the most important thing in the world? Ok, not really but today...I need it today!  It's there, I can see it, so shiny but I cannot reach it!  OHHHH HELP ME!  So hubby sees my feet haning out of the front seat and probably stands there for several minutes watching and giggling, I'm sure I felt his presense. Those that have been on the phone (prior to hands free, another hubby saving grace item) are well aware of what happens when things fall into the land of the lost!  Everything falls into the crack at some point.  Do you know what it's like to hear your phone ringing multiple times but you cannot get to it??  Oh it is pure agony!  Who is you wonder?  A customer needing info?  One of my kids?  Hubby? MOM?  OH HELP ME GET MY CARD!  So finally hubby comes to my rescue and saves me from a day of caffine deprivation!  MY HERO!  Oh thank you thank you!  What a MAN! :)

Grandchild to arrive in time for the holidays {newborn photographer}

YES, you read it correctly!  Our oldest daughter is expecting a bundle of joy that will arrive just in time to share my favorite holiday ever, CHRISTMAS!  I, Gigi am impatiently waiting for the ultrasound that will reveal this miracle's status, BOY or GIRL.  I can't recall a time when I've been this out of control.  I'm going to blame it all on the internet and having so much creativity at my fingertips.  I am saving all these little ideas so that as soon as the sex of the baby is known, I will be sewing, modge podging and pink or blue all over. :)  This poor child isn't even born yet and I've started going through my newborn photog baskets to see what I need to buy.  CRAZY, totally NUTS but.....I'm ok with that. 

soon-to-be Gigi, aka hip granny

Addicted to Pinterest {Photography}

I am seriously addicted to Pinterest!!! I could probably sit on the computer for days on end pinning everything I love.  I've decorated houses we don't have, weddings and parties, and loads of dinners but I am hopelessly addicted!  I'm always stumped with what to do with my windows.  I will be sharing my awesome creations once completed!! I don't think hubby minds too much since he is loving the crockpot meals and fresh scent of our homemade fabreeze!  :)

All things Vintage {Pinup Photographer}

So I'm thinking 1950's pinup and all things vintage.  Sessions will be in September, location TBD.  Full packages will include:

1.5 hour session, costume included (if needed)
2-3 costumes
5 edited images on CD with print release
5-10 watermarked images for social media sites
1 5x5 album of 20 images, fully edited
$375

email for more info:  wendy@avenue7photography.com

*the fine print*
must sign model release form
must use watermarked images on the web ONLY, no exceptions
deposit of 50% require to reserve your date

Photographs as Art {Family Photographer}

I love using photographs are artwork!!

Facebook Timelines {Family Photographer}

New Facebook Timeline Covers!!!

The A Family {Maternity Photographer}

I am LATE blogging this session but personally, I think it's totally worth the wait!!  I had so much fun hanging out with the A family a few weeks ago!  Mom-to-be is a dear friend and the hot mom of 3 precious kiddos +1 due soon.  Can you believe she will have FOUR children?!  Me either and she rocked her session!  Don't forget dad-to-be...Love you guys and can't wait for Jett to make his debut!! And of course, I have too many faves to just post a few!!

Living with Chiari {aka the fish bowl}

I've not blogged about this previously, not because I am ashamed but I just never thought much about it.  Actually, I try and forget that I live with this thing, this horrible disease.  I'm lucky though, I only have type I.

What is Chiari you ask?  (kee-AHR-eee)
Well, it's a royal pain but here is the real definition: 
Chiari malformation is a congenital anomaly of the cerebellum and brainstem.
Type I is identified by protrusion of cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum, down to the C1 or C2 level of the cervical spine. It may or may not be associated with syringomyelia/hydromyelia. A lesser degree of cerebellar tonsil protrusion is known as tonsillar ectopia.  (http://www.dallasneurosurgical.com/dns_conditions_detail.php?cid=7&gclid=CJ3e_vGJ0bACFSdeTAodiAqUWg)

In English, it means the cerebellum portion of my brain is sagging and crowding my spinal cord and restricting flow of spinal fluid.  This causes LOTS OF PROBLEMS!

Symptoms  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnold%E2%80%93Chiari_malformation)

• Headaches aggravated by Valsalva maneuvers, such as yawning, laughing, crying, coughing, sneezing or straining^[18]
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Dizziness and vertigo
• Nausea
• Nystagmus (irregular eye movements)
• Facial pain
• Muscle weakness
• Impaired gag reflex
• Restless Leg Syndrome
• Sleep Apnea
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)^[19]
• Impaired coordination
• Increased intracranial pressure
• pupillary dilatation
• Dysautonomia: tachycardia (rapid heart), syncope (fainting), polydipsia (extreme thirst), chronic fatigue ^[20]

My current symptoms include:
headaches, sleep apnea, chronic fatigue, occasional dizziness but vertigo isn't constant and my favorite of the week, running water in my ear.  sounds like the ocean is in my head all day...only I'm not finding it as relaxing as I think it could be if I were laying on the beach.  My newest symptom this week is my face hurts.  I know, I know...odd sounding but it does.  It aches.  I'll have a great time explaining that one to the doc.

Now why is my suffering described as "the fish bowl"?  Well my aunt started it actually and honestly, it works.  A lighter way to ask how the disease is that day....

I won't be posting about Chiari all the time but I will on occasion.  Today has been a rough day with the new problem and getting through a work day wondering what this will cause or if this is going to get worse??